TJ Franklin NFL Draft Prospect: Get Ready For A Star
Who is TJ Franklin, and how did he perform in the NFL Draft?
TJ Franklin is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets. He was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Franklin played college football at the University of Maryland, where he was a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection. He finished his college career with 144 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks.
Franklin was projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, but he surprisingly fell to the seventh round, where he was selected by the Steelers with the 230th overall pick. He was released by the Steelers during the 2011 preseason and was later signed by the Colts. He played in 12 games for the Colts in 2011, recording 10 tackles and one sack.
Franklin was released by the Colts in 2012 and was later signed by the Jets. He played in 10 games for the Jets in 2012, recording seven tackles and one sack.
Franklin was released by the Jets in 2013 and did not play in the NFL again.
| Name | Position | College | NFL Draft |
|---|---|---|---|
| TJ Franklin | Defensive end | Maryland | 2010, Round 7, Pick 230 |
TJ Franklin NFL Draft
TJ Franklin's NFL Draft experience is a story of perseverance and resilience. Despite being projected as a mid-round pick, Franklin surprisingly fell to the seventh round, where he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 230th overall pick.
- Seventh round
- 230th overall
- Steelers
- Defensive end
- Maryland
- Two-time All-ACC
- 144 tackles
Franklin's draft experience is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Despite the disappointment of falling to the seventh round, Franklin never gave up on his dream of playing in the NFL. He went on to have a successful career with the Steelers, Colts, and Jets, proving that he was a valuable player despite his draft position.
1. Seventh round
The seventh round of the NFL Draft is the final round, and it is where teams select players who they believe have the potential to contribute to their team, but who may not be as polished or pro-ready as the players selected in the earlier rounds.
TJ Franklin was selected in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a two-time All-ACC selection at the University of Maryland, but he was projected to be a mid-round pick. However, he surprisingly fell to the seventh round, where the Steelers selected him with the 230th overall pick.
Franklin's selection in the seventh round is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Despite being a late-round pick, Franklin went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Steelers, Colts, and Jets.
The seventh round of the NFL Draft is often overlooked, but it can be a valuable source of talent for teams. Many players who have been selected in the seventh round have gone on to have successful NFL careers. Here are a few examples:
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots (6th round, 199th overall)
- Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers (6th round, 195th overall)
- Julian Edelman, New England Patriots (7th round, 232nd overall)
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (4th round, 135th overall)
- TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers (1st round, 30th overall)
These are just a few examples of the many players who have been selected in the seventh round and have gone on to have successful NFL careers. The seventh round is often overlooked, but it can be a valuable source of talent for teams.
2. 230th overall
The 230th overall pick in the NFL Draft is the final pick in the seventh round. It is often seen as a long shot for players to make an NFL roster, but there have been a number of players who have been selected 230th overall and gone on to have successful careers.
TJ Franklin was selected 230th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was a two-time All-ACC selection at the University of Maryland, but he was projected to be a mid-round pick. However, he surprisingly fell to the seventh round, where the Steelers selected him with the 230th overall pick.
Franklin's selection at 230th overall is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Despite being a late-round pick, Franklin went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Steelers, Colts, and Jets.
Here are a few other notable players who have been selected 230th overall:
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots (2000)
- Julian Edelman, New England Patriots (2009)
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (2016)
These players are all examples of the fact that the 230th overall pick can be a valuable one for teams. Despite being the final pick in the draft, these players have all gone on to have successful NFL careers.
3. Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are a member of the North Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Steelers are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won six Super Bowls, the most by any AFC team.
TJ Franklin was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was a two-time All-ACC selection at the University of Maryland, but he was projected to be a mid-round pick. However, he surprisingly fell to the seventh round, where the Steelers selected him with the 230th overall pick.
Franklin's selection by the Steelers was a significant moment in his career. The Steelers are a perennial contender in the NFL, and they have a long history of developing late-round draft picks into successful players. Franklin was given the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the NFL, and he quickly developed into a valuable contributor on special teams and defense.
Franklin played for the Steelers for three seasons, and he was a member of the team's Super Bowl XLVI championship team. He was released by the Steelers in 2013, but he went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets.
Franklin's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Despite being a late-round draft pick, Franklin went on to have a successful career in the NFL. He is a testament to the Pittsburgh Steelers' ability to develop talent, and he is an inspiration to all players who dream of playing in the NFL.
4. Defensive end
A defensive end is a position in American football played by two players on each side of the defensive line. Defensive ends are responsible for rushing the quarterback, defending against the run, and setting the edge of the defense.
- Pass rush
Defensive ends are primarily responsible for rushing the quarterback and putting pressure on him. They do this by using a variety of techniques, such as speed, power, and finesse.
- Run defense
Defensive ends are also responsible for defending against the run. They do this by trying to contain the running back and prevent him from getting outside.
- Setting the edge
Defensive ends are also responsible for setting the edge of the defense. This means that they must prevent the offense from getting outside and running the ball around them.
TJ Franklin played defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets. He was a two-time All-ACC selection at the University of Maryland. Franklin was known for his speed and athleticism, and he was a valuable contributor on special teams and defense.
5. Maryland
TJ Franklin's connection to the University of Maryland is a significant one. He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins, where he was a two-time All-ACC selection. Franklin's success at Maryland helped him to get drafted into the NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
- Athletic Development
The University of Maryland provided Franklin with the opportunity to develop his athletic skills and prepare for a career in the NFL. He was coached by some of the best coaches in the country and had access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Academic Support
In addition to his athletic development, Franklin also received a strong academic education at Maryland. He graduated with a degree in criminology and criminal justice.
- Exposure to NFL Scouts
The University of Maryland is a major college football program, and it gives its players the opportunity to be seen by NFL scouts. Franklin was able to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts at Maryland's pro day, and he eventually got drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Pipeline to the NFL
The University of Maryland has a long history of producing NFL players. Some of the most notable NFL players who have played for Maryland include:
- Randy White
- Boomer Esiason
- Stefon Diggs
- Yannick Ngakoue
TJ Franklin's connection to the University of Maryland is a reminder of the important role that college football can play in the development of NFL players. Maryland provided Franklin with the opportunity to develop his athletic skills, receive a strong academic education, and be seen by NFL scouts. Franklin's success at Maryland helped him to get drafted into the NFL, and he went on to have a successful career in the league.
6. Two-time All-ACC
TJ Franklin's recognition as a two-time All-ACC selection is a testament to his outstanding performance on the field. This accolade not only highlights his individual achievements but also serves as a significant factor in his journey to the NFL Draft.
- Recognition of Elite Performance
Being named to the All-ACC team is a prestigious honor reserved for the most exceptional players in the conference. Franklin's two-time selection indicates that he was consistently among the top defensive ends in the ACC, a highly competitive conference known for producing NFL talent.
- Enhanced Draft Profile
All-conference honors carry significant weight in the NFL Draft evaluation process. NFL scouts and general managers pay close attention to these accolades when assessing player potential. Franklin's two-time All-ACC recognition undoubtedly raised his profile and made him a more attractive prospect for NFL teams.
- Demonstration of Consistency
Achieving All-ACC status once is impressive, but doing so twice demonstrates consistency and a high level of play over multiple seasons. Franklin's ability to maintain his elite performance throughout his college career suggests that he has the work ethic, dedication, and talent to succeed at the professional level.
- NFL Readiness
The ACC is widely regarded as one of the top conferences in college football, and its players are often well-prepared for the NFL. Franklin's success in such a competitive environment indicates that he has the skills and experience necessary to make a smooth transition to the professional ranks.
Overall, TJ Franklin's two-time All-ACC recognition is a strong indicator of his talent, performance, and NFL potential. It played a significant role in his journey to the NFL Draft and contributed to his eventual selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
7. 144 tackles
In the context of TJ Franklin's NFL Draft experience, his 144 tackles in college football play a significant role in evaluating his potential as a professional player. Tackles are a crucial defensive statistic that showcase a player's ability to bring down ball carriers and disrupt opposing offenses.
- Tackling Technique and Fundamentals
Franklin's 144 tackles demonstrate his proficiency in tackling technique and fundamentals. Tackling involves proper form, leverage, and timing to effectively bring down ball carriers. Franklin's high tackle count indicates his ability to execute these techniques consistently.
- Field Awareness and Instincts
Tackling effectively requires good field awareness and instincts. Franklin's ability to make 144 tackles suggests that he has a strong understanding of the game and can anticipate the movements of opposing players.
- Physicality and Strength
Tackling often involves physicality and strength to overpower or shed blockers. Franklin's 144 tackles highlight his ability to engage physically with opponents and make tackles even in challenging situations.
- Durability and Consistency
Making 144 tackles over the course of a college football career demonstrates Franklin's durability and consistency. Tackling is a physically demanding task, and Franklin's ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout his college career indicates his toughness and commitment to the game.
Overall, TJ Franklin's 144 tackles in college football provide valuable insights into his abilities as a defensive player. These tackles showcase his technical proficiency, field awareness, physicality, and consistency, which are all essential attributes for success in the NFL.
FAQs about TJ Franklin NFL Draft
This section addresses some frequently asked questions and misconceptions surrounding TJ Franklin's NFL Draft experience and provides informative answers based on available facts and his performance.
Question 1: Why was TJ Franklin drafted so late in the 2010 NFL Draft despite his impressive college statistics?While Franklin had a successful college career with 144 tackles and 25 tackles for loss, there were a few factors that may have contributed to him being drafted in the seventh round. These include his lack of elite athleticism compared to other prospects, his limited pass-rushing production with only 12 career sacks, and concerns about his ability to consistently generate pressure at the NFL level.
Question 2: Did TJ Franklin ever become a starting player in the NFL?No, Franklin primarily played a rotational role as a reserve defensive end throughout his NFL career. He appeared in 42 games over five seasons with the Steelers, Colts, and Jets, but he never earned a starting role.
Question 3: What were TJ Franklin's strengths and weaknesses as an NFL player?Franklin's strengths included his strength, physicality, and ability to set the edge against the run. He was also a solid tackler and contributed on special teams. However, his lack of elite athleticism, limited pass-rushing production, and inconsistent play limited his impact and prevented him from becoming a more significant contributor.
Question 4: Did TJ Franklin have any notable accomplishments or achievements during his NFL career?Franklin was part of the Pittsburgh Steelers team that won Super Bowl XLVI in 2013, although he did not play a significant role in the game. He also recorded a career-high 4 tackles in a game against the Cleveland Browns in 2012.
Question 5: What is TJ Franklin doing now after his NFL career?After retiring from the NFL in 2015, Franklin transitioned into a coaching role. He served as a defensive line coach at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, from 2016 to 2018. He then joined the coaching staff at Morgan State University as their defensive line coach in 2019, where he currently holds that position.
In summary, while TJ Franklin's NFL Draft experience may not have met expectations based on his college statistics, he carved out a niche as a valuable reserve defensive end and special teams contributor. His story serves as a reminder that success in the NFL can take many forms, and that hard work and dedication can lead to a fulfilling career even for those who may not be the most physically gifted.
Proceed to the next section for further insights and analysis related to TJ Franklin's NFL Draft experience.
Conclusion
TJ Franklin's NFL Draft experience serves as a valuable reminder that athletic potential and draft position are not always indicative of a player's ultimate success. Despite being drafted in the seventh round, Franklin persevered and carved out a respectable career as a reserve defensive end and special teams contributor for multiple NFL teams.
Franklin's journey highlights the importance of hard work, dedication, and making the most of every opportunity. While he may not have become a star player, he consistently showcased his strengths, embraced his role, and made meaningful contributions to his teams. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the fact that success can be achieved through determination and a relentless spirit.
Article Recommendations
